TODAYAnn Curry's last day as "Today" show co-anchor was today. She's leaving amid falling ratings for the venerable morning show.

This morning Ann Curry told viewers she is leaving her job as co-anchor of the "Today" show, a move widely reported in the last week by everyone except the "Today" show.

There has been rampant speculation that Curry would take the fall for the show's recent slip in ratings to "Good Morning America," and Curry confirmed Wednesday night that she is leaving one of broadcast journalism's most sought-after seats for a gig in international journalism for NBC.

From the "Today" show couch this morning, a tearful Curry, who replaced Meredith Vieira a year ago -- told fans that she loved them. "After all of these years, I don't even know if I can sleep in anymore. I'm not even sure that I can, but I know whatever time I wake up I'll be missing you and I will be believing in you.

"For all of you who saw me as groundbreaker, I'm sorry I couldn't carry the ball over the finish line. Man, I did try and so to all of you who watched thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me touch yours."

NBCAnn Curry, right, with the rest of the "Today" morning crew in 2000: Katie Couric, left, Al Roker, second from left, and Matt Lauer.

In an interview with USA Today, she says she wished she had been given more time to work out "kinks" with co-host Matt Lauer and says that the leaks about her tenuous job situation have "hurt deeply."

NBC offered her a new long-term contract, and she will be heading up a 7-person unit that reports on international and major national stories for "NBC Nightly News," "Dateline," "Rock Center" and even "Today," where she retains the title of anchor-at-large.

"I have called the co-host job at the 'Today Show' my dream job, and I would be lying if I said it was easy to leave that job," she tells USA Today. "In my secret heart of hearts, I see this as a thrilling opportunity. To have a ticket to every big story in the world — no small matter."

According to the New York Times, "Today" has tapped news reader Savannah Guthrie to fill Curry's spot.